Hearty beef, tender vegetables, and a slow-simmered broth create a deep, comforting stew made to warm up winter evenings.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Ingredients
2 lb beef chuck, cut into large chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, cut into thick slices
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
Lower the heat slightly and add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook for several minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking briefly until fragrant. Return the beef to the pot and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for about 1 hour, allowing the beef to become tender.
Add the potatoes and continue simmering uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the broth thickens naturally.
Nutrition Facts (approx, per serving)
Calories: 460
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 24g
Quick Facts
• one-pot
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• freezer friendly
Tips
Browning the beef in batches prevents steaming and builds a deeper flavor base for the stew.
Cutting vegetables into larger pieces helps them hold their shape during the long simmer and keeps the texture balanced.
Letting the stew rest for 10 minutes off the heat allows the flavors to settle and the broth to thicken slightly.
Variations
For a richer broth, a small amount of butter can be stirred in at the end to round out the flavors without changing the structure of the stew. If you enjoy hearty and nostalgic meals like this, you might also like Grandma’s Slow-Cooked Pot Roast, packed with flavor and perfect for cold days.
Adding mushrooms during the vegetable stage introduces extra depth and an earthy note that pairs well with the beef. For another rustic and warming idea, check out this Beef Stew with Nutrition Tips and Recipe Guide.
A splash of Worcestershire sauce can be included with the broth for added savory complexity while keeping the recipe familiar.